The National Basketball Association (NBA) and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) are set to host the 21st installment of the Basketball Without Borders (BWB) Africa camp in Kigali, Rwanda. This significant event, taking place from August 23 to August 26, marks the first time this global basketball development and community outreach program will be held in East Africa, following successful editions in Angola, Egypt, Senegal, and South Africa. The camp will gather 60 highly talented high-school-age boys and girls representing 21 different African countries, providing them with an unparalleled opportunity for skill enhancement and personal growth.
A distinguished lineup of basketball luminaries and expert coaches will guide the aspiring athletes. Among them are Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Tamika Catchings, NBA All-Rookie Second Team members Kerry Kittles (1996-97) and Marvin Williams (2005-06), along with current NBA coaching staff, including Charlotte Hornets head coach Charles Lee, Indiana Pacers assistant coach Lloyd Pierce, and Minnesota Timberwolves assistant coach Micah Nori. Furthermore, the camp will benefit from the expertise of renowned directors such as Luca Desta of the Utah Jazz, Patrick Engelbrecht from the Toronto Raptors, Patrick Hunt of the World Association of Basketball Coaches, and Prosper Karangwa of the Philadelphia 76ers. Specialized sports performance coaching will be provided by Jonathan Lee (Toronto Raptors) and Jasen Powell (LA Clippers).
The comprehensive program for the campers is meticulously designed to foster holistic development. Participants will engage in a variety of activities, including rigorous movement efficiency drills, specialized offensive and defensive skill stations, competitive three-point contests, and spirited 5-on-5 games. Beyond on-court training, a strong emphasis will be placed on life-skills and leadership development sessions, aiming to equip these young individuals with valuable attributes for their futures. The camp will culminate in an awards ceremony recognizing outstanding achievement, including accolades for the Kim Bohuny Camp MVP, the Patrick Baumann Sportsmanship Award, the B.J. Johnson Most Improved Player Award, the Three-Point Champion, and the Defensive MVP for both male and female participants.
In line with its commitment to social responsibility, BWB Africa 2025 will incorporate impactful community initiatives. Campers and coaches will participate in a wheelchair basketball clinic organized in collaboration with the Rwandan Basketball Federation (FERWABA) and a clinic specifically designed for 100 elderly women, in partnership with the international sport-for-development organization Shooting Touch. Additionally, a coaching clinic and a 'Her Time to Play' leadership workshop will be conducted for the female campers, promoting empowerment and skill-sharing within the sport.
The BWB program has a rich history of fostering talent, having engaged over 4,600 participants from 144 countries and territories since its inception in 2001. Notably, 142 former campers have advanced to play in the NBA or WNBA, either through drafts or free-agent signings. The African continent has been a significant source of this talent, with 14 former BWB Africa campers joining the NBA and WNBA since the first BWB Africa camp in 2003. Prominent examples include the 2023 Kia NBA Most Valuable Player Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers (from Cameroon, BWB Africa 2011), 2019 NBA champion Pascal Siakam of the Indiana Pacers (from Cameroon, BWB Africa 2012), and the 2025 No. 10 overall pick Khaman Maluach of the Phoenix Suns (from South Sudan with ties to Uganda, BWB Africa 2023). Furthermore, 72 former BWB Africa participants have been featured on Basketball Africa League (BAL) rosters across its first five seasons, underscoring the program's vital role in nurturing African basketball talent.
The upcoming BWB Africa camp promises to be a pivotal experience for these young athletes, providing not only elite basketball training but also instilling valuable life lessons and fostering a sense of community and leadership. The collaboration between the NBA and FIBA, supported by partners like Nike, continues to create significant pathways for global basketball development, particularly within emerging markets like East Africa. This initiative exemplifies a dedication to nurturing the next generation of basketball stars and community leaders, extending the sport's reach and positive impact far beyond the court.
